Is Your HealthCare Web Site Mobile Friendly?

With the explosive growth of smartphone use, a mobile site is becoming increasingly vital for your health care organization.

With the explosive growth of smartphone use, a mobile site is becoming increasingly vital for your health care organization.

Some 87% of smartphone owners access the Internet or email on their handheld devices, including two thirds (68%) who do so on a typical day. When asked what device they normally use to access the Internet, 25% of smartphone owners said that they use their phone more often than a computer.

Nielsen’s third quarter survey of mobile users reveals that, while only 43 percent of all U.S. mobile phone subscribers own a smartphone, the vast majority of those under the age of 44 now have one. In fact, 62 percent of mobile users between 25-34 report owning smartphones – and among those 18-24 and 35-44 the smartphone penetration rate is hovering near 54 percent.

A mobile site should include only important information that mobile users can easily access while navigating on the move. Below are some key points for designing and development.

Speed is very important. Users want quick access to information.

Keep it simple. Limit text and use minimal images.

Eliminate Flash. Not all mobile devices are capable of viewing it.

Buttons, links, phone numbers, etc., must be large enough to select/click.

The mobile site should not mirror the web site.

For HIPAA reasons, limit the mobile site to informational features; do not capture any personal identification information, such as an email.

Basic information that should be included on the mobile site includes: location, directions, important phone numbers, Emergency Room information, parking information, visiting hours, and links to social media channels and the full web site.